Surface Pro 4 battery drain while OFF

Anonymous
2017-07-05T14:02:24+00:00

I have a HUGE battery drain while power off (not hibernating)  at least 5-10 percent per day.   I windows updates done.   I used to think it was because of the keyboard being attached. but I have switched to a Brydge Keyboard.  Does anyone else have this issue or know how to fix?

Thanks!

Surface | Surface Pro | Power and battery

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Anonymous
2017-08-04T04:59:28+00:00

Thanks Victor_S

Another solution I've found is to shut down the computer the old way - regular shutdown instead of hybrid shutdown.

You can use this shortcut:

C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe /s /t 3 /c "Full Shutdown"

  • shutdown.exe can execute the various sleed/hibernate commands, including the regular shutdown.
  • /s means "shutdown". If we shutdown the normal way, it is a hybrid shutdown (/hybrid)
  • /t 3 means after 3 seconds. If you skip this it's 30 seconds by default.
  • /c "Full shutdown" is a simple comment that will appear in various places as the reason for your shutdown.

Keep in mind it takes a little longer to shutdown this way, and it takes a little longer to start afterwards, but I think the computer doesn't keep some systems active, thus you should see almost no battery drain, even for prolonged times.

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Anonymous
2017-07-05T14:59:17+00:00

That is a good question because the screen will be off.  Before shutting down and all programs are closed, you can do a CTRL+ALT+DEL and select the task manager and look at the processes that are still running at that moment and you may find 'something' but doubtful.

The power sub-system could also have a defect causing that as well and not actually shutting off the machine when it is supposed to be off.

The task manager may give you a clue when all programs are shut down.  If you can't find anything listed, it is possible you may need to contact customer support to get the machine swapped out.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-01-08T21:09:55+00:00

    I'd be interested to see the results of that experiment.  Good luck.

    I would love to see a physical power switch old school style that disconnects the battery.  But I suppose those days are long gone.  :)

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-01-08T18:36:23+00:00

    I'm wondering if perhaps there might be a component or components still being sent power on the SP4 (even though the unit is powered off and thus the operating system isn't active).  While the SP4 is off, if you bring up the "Surface UEFI" setup by holding down the volume up button, then pressing the power button, and then releasing the volume up button when the Surface logo appears, within the "Devices" section is a list of devices that can be either enabled or disabled.  This list includes the docking USB port, front camera, rear camera, IR camera, on-board audio, SDcard, "Wi-fi & bluebooth," bluetooth and type cover port.  I can try experimenting with disabling these various devices to see if they have an effect relating to the battery drainage issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-01-08T17:31:56+00:00

    Hi all,

    I am facing the same issue here 5 months ago and recently I have contacted Microsoft Support and they get me a refurbished unit replacement since it is still under warranty period. I have used this replacement unit for 1 week now and so far so good, no battery drain after power off.

    You are a lucky person ...

    this is my 3rd surface .. drain is still there

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